A couple of years ago, Philip Nelson was a highly touted Gophers quarterback.

Now, he’s awaiting trial for first- and third-degree assault.

Nelson, who transferred to Rutgers in January, was arrested May 11 after his alleged involvement in an altercation that left another man in critical condition.

According to a criminal complaint, Nelson allegedly kicked former Minnesota State-Mankato linebacker Isaac Kolstad in the head outside of Blue Bricks Bar and Eatery in Mankato.

Kolstad remains hospitalized, and his brother-in-law Mike Fleming wrote Saturday on caringbridge.org that Kolstad’s condition had been improving, but he remains in a coma from his brain injuries.

Mankato police also arrested a second suspect in the altercation, Trevor Shelley, 21. He allegedly punched Kolstad in the head, which caused him to go limp and collapse, according to the criminal complaint.

Nelson was dismissed from the Rutgers football program two days after the incident.

“The Rutgers football family’s thoughts and prayers are with Isaac Kolstad and his family,” Rutgers head coach Kyle Flood said in a May 13 statement.